Spirit of Christmas shines at CFB Esquimalt
A/SLt Ashley Kneen
BPAO
December 3, 2007
CFB Esquimalt military and civilian employees are once again flexing their creative muscles as they create bright and colourful displays for this year’s Navy Lighting Contest.
Buses filled with residents and visitors eager to see naval ships and dockyard buildings lit up with Christmas spirit will run nightly from Dec. 13 to 24 between 6 and 9 p.m.
The 25-minute tours will begin at the Naden entrance to CFB Esquimalt on Admirals Road. Admission is a donation of non-persishable food or money to the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
Last year’s contest winners were HMCS Calgary and Fleet Maintenance Facility Engineering. However, one of last year’s second place winners is looking to move up in the standings.
“The display that came in first is no longer in the competition this year so that helps our chances,” says Wiley Kemp, the DND detachment commander who helps with the decorating at the Dockyard Main Gate building.
“If that doesn’t work, since we are the commissionaires and the bus has to drive by us, I guess we’ll just have to make the suggestion that they vote for us as they go by,” he says jokingly.
A lot of factors must be taken into account before decorating can begin, says Kemp. “Because people will be on buses, we have to ensure the decorations will not be above their viewing area. Along with that, we look at pictures of the building from previous years and see how we can add to the quality of the display.”
The friendly competition continues to build on its past successes as it reaches its 20th year.
“Over the years things have drastically improved. More people are involved and the sponsors are a great help,” says Kemp. “It’s definitely worth coming down to see and a great opportunity to help out the Mustard Seed Food Bank.”
Capt Darin Guenette, Base Public Affairs Officer and the main coordinator for the event, says, “Last year, despite the less than ideal weather conditions we were able to see $17,000 worth of food and money donated towards the Mustard Seed. The Navy Lighting contest has become a Christmas tradition for many local families and a great opportunity to support those in need.”
New to this year’s contest, on select evenings, visitors will be treated to the carolling talents of Pacific Christian School Chamber Choir, the First Baptist Church Choir, the Glad Tidings Church Choir and the Salvation Army Victoria Citadel Choir while waiting for the bus tour to begin. The four choirs will be in the Naden entrance parking lot from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Wednesday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23. Along with the carollers, hot chocolate will be available and a representative from the Mustard Seed Food bank will be on location each night.
Even Maritime Forces Pacific personnel not decorating an entry can get involved. Volunteer tour guides are still being sought to ride the buses each night. Dress will be seasonal civilian attire and people can volunteer for as many or as few nights as they want.
“Bus tour guides have come to me from all ranks, military or civilian or even spouses of Defence Team personnel,” says Capt Guenette. “I continually receive feedback about how much they enjoy sharing information about MARPAC, the CF and the West Coast fleet while seeing families enjoy a rare glimpse of a working navy base.”
If you are interested in volunteering as a tour guide for the event, contact Capt Guenette at 363-4371 or guenette.dk@forces.gc.ca.
